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Lesson 2 of 6
  • Year 7

Harmful content online

I can describe different types of inappropriate or harmful online content, and explain who I can go to for advice or support.

Lesson 2 of 6
New
New
  • Year 7

Harmful content online

I can describe different types of inappropriate or harmful online content, and explain who I can go to for advice or support.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The internet contains inappropriate and upsetting content.
  2. Unacceptable content includes content which encourages violence and use of weapons.
  3. Online content can present a distorted view of the world, and normalise/glamorise behaviours which are unhealthy/wrong.
  4. There are people you can go to for advice and support about something you have seen online.

Keywords

  • Inappropriate - behaviour or content that is offensive, harmful or unsuitable for certain audiences

  • Distort - to change or twist something away from its normal or true form

  • Sextortion - a form of bribery online which involves the threat of sharing intimate images or videos, in order to gain money or force a person to do something

Common misconception

It’s legal to buy weapons, like knives, online.

It is illegal to buy weapons if you are under 18, and many types of weapons are banned completely. Buying them can lead to serious consequences.


To help you plan your year 7 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Harmful content online, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You should speak to your RSHE lead or DSL before delivering this lesson. You may also want to adapt the lesson to explain how pupils should report harmful or upsetting online content in your educational setting.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
  • Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual content
  • Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the word to the definition.

Correct Answer:opportunity,the chance to try something new that could lead to good things

the chance to try something new that could lead to good things

Correct Answer:positive,something good, exciting or joyful

something good, exciting or joyful

Correct Answer:internet,a global network that connects millions of digital devices

a global network that connects millions of digital devices

Q2.
The internet can help us , develop and grow in many different ways.

Correct Answer: learn

Q3.
Ali enjoys reading sports blogs, while Ruby prefers coding games. What does this show?

everyone likes doing the same things online
the internet is only for games
Correct answer: we all enjoy doing different things online

Q4.
Which of these examples shows how the internet can offer positive opportunities?

browsing random videos
Correct answer: learning to design a website
scrolling through comments
Correct answer: learning a new language

Q5.
Taylor and her dad join a reading group online. What is this an example of?

Correct answer: positive online engagement
wasting time online
passive screen use

Q6.
In this scenario, Megan has used the internet to do what? "I’m part of an online network run by Young Carers. This has helped me connect with others in a similar situation as me."

further a hobby
watch tutorials
Correct answer: find community
find future opportunities

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the following words to the correct definitions:

Correct Answer:inappropriate,content that is offensive, harmful or unsuitable for some audiences

content that is offensive, harmful or unsuitable for some audiences

Correct Answer:distort,to change or present something in a misleading way

to change or present something in a misleading way

Correct Answer:sextortion,bribery online which involves the threat of sharing intimate content

bribery online which involves the threat of sharing intimate content

Q2.
Which of the following might be considered inappropriate online content?

videos of cats doing funny things
pictures of sunsets
Correct answer: memes with a racist message
Correct answer: videos of a fight at school

Q3.
Which of the following statements are true?

Anyone under the age of 18 can buy weapons, like knives, online.
Correct answer: It is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy weapons, like knives, online.
Correct answer: Adults over 18 can buy knives online with proof of age.
There are no consequences for buying weapons online underage.

Q4.
The internet may contain fake content, such as:

Correct answer: heavily edited images
fact-checked news stories
Correct answer: deepfakes
Correct answer: scams

Q5.
Which of the following might be signs of a scam?

Correct answer: a sense of urgency in the message
a sender or contact that you know
Correct answer: an unknown sender or contact
accurate spelling and grammar
Correct answer: poor spelling and grammar

Q6.
Which of the following statements are true?

Correct answer: Sextortion often occurs over social media or other messaging services.
Correct answer: Sextortion is an example of a scam.
Sextortion is the victim's fault.
Nothing can be done about sextortion.